Hurricane Milton Reaches Cat 5, Nears Florida
The storm is expected to weaken before it makes landfall, likely in the Tampa area on Wednesday. It could grow in size before moving across the state.
ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s on track for a one-two punch from the 2024 hurricane season as Hurricane Milton moves across the Gulf of Mexico, marking the second major storm targeting the state in as many weeks.
Hurricane Milton became a Category 5 storm on Monday with winds greater than 157 mph. It was expected to weaken but grow before making landfall in the Tampa area on Wednesday as a “large and powerful hurricane,” the National Hurricane Center said
Forecasters warned of a possible 8- to 12-foot storm surge in Tampa Bay and said flash and river flooding could result from 5 to 10 inches of rain in mainland Florida and the Keys, with as much as 15 inches in places. Mandatory evacuations are in place for millions of people in flood-prone areas.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a state of emergency declaration in 51 counties and said Floridians should prepare for power outages and disruption, making sure they have a week’s worth of food and water and are ready to hit the road.
To help associations, brokerages and agents prepare for this storm and others, Florida Realtors® created a printable Hurricane Preparation and Recovery Plan. The plan, also available on the Florida Realtors website, includes helpful tips and information to protect your business.
In addition, the Florida Realtors Hurricane Center webpage includes links to the Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund and important news about the hurricane season.
Hurricane Helene Update
The IRS announced it delayed tax filing and payment deadlines for some business and residential taxpayers in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-designated disaster areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund: There When You Need It
As of Sept. 4, the total estimated insured Florida losses from Hurricane Helene were $902,830,381, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Of the 91,393 claims so far, 45,225 are for residential property damage. The number of claims and estimated losses are expected to increase in the coming weeks. For now:
- Claims under private flood insurance policies: 2,856 (most flood policies are through FEMA’s Flood Insurance Program, not private)
- Claims closed with payments to policyholders: 7,330
- Claims closed without payments to policyholders: 5,094
- Commercial property claims: 1,792
- Percent of claims closed: 13.6
As a reminder, Florida Realtors® opened applications for its Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) for Hurricane Helene. Business and individual damage applications will be accepted until March 26, 2025, and should include:
- Color photos showing damage (digital preferred) and insurance summary page showing deductible and coverage information.
- A written assessment from your insurance company and estimate to replace or repair damaged areas; include qualifying repair receipts to date and any additional information which may assist with describing your disaster and subsequent damage.
- Qualifying repair receipts to date and any additional information which may assist with describing your disaster and subsequent damage.
Other disaster relief available
The DRF is also continuing to accept applications for other severe weather events:
- Hurricane Debby on August 5, 2024; applications close February 5, 2025.
- Flash flooding in South Florida on June 11, 2024; applications close December 12, 2024.
- Tornado events in North Florida on May 10, 2024; applications close November 11, 2024.
Those interested in helping disaster victims can donate to the DRF securely online. If you prefer to mail in a tax-deductible donation, make your check payable to "Florida Realtors Disaster Fund, attention Dave Garrison," and send the check to:
Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box 725025
Orlando, FL 32872-5025
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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